Accra, Dec. 7, GNA – The 9th International Union of Food (IUF) African Regional conference is underway in Accra on the theme: “Winning Union Rights and Food Rights.”

The IUF is an international federation of trade unions representing workers in the agricultural sector including processing and manufacturing of food and beverages and those in the hotels, restaurants, tourism and catering services and all stages of tobacco processing.

The two-day conference seeks to discuss issues like the strengthening of trade unions and human rights in Africa, trade union action on food security, climate change, land grabbing and how occupational health safety could be an organising tool to strengthen trade union bargaining capacity.

Mr Ron Oswald, General Secretary of the IUF Global, commended Ghana for hosting the largest conference of the union on the continent.

He said as the labour movement grows in Ghana, trade union leaders should make sure it affect workers positively and impact on their lives for national development.

Mr Kenneth Koomson, General Secretary of Food and Allied Workers Union said there are so many violations of labour laws against Ghanaian workers which needed to be addressed.

He called on trade union leaders and members to network and strategise to tackle some of the issues affecting workers on the continent.

Ms Adowa Sakyi, Regional Women's Co-ordinator for Africa, IUF noted that the conference would discuss the organisation and recruitment of members and gender equality.

She urged participants to make useful contribution and share ideas on the best practices to improve on trade union issues on the continent.

IUF strengthens member unions through mutual support by assisting affiliates in recruitment and co-ordinates and implement solidarity and support actions for members and combat all forms of discrimination and promote equality at work place and in the society.